U-M said its scientists would place a heavy emphasis on research that could lead to technological improvements that would benefit patients.

The project will involve research on preventing colorectal cancer; developing new pancreatic cancer treatments; fostering early detection of pancreatic cancer; and improving existing pancreatic cancer treatments.

“This grant represents a major effort to bridge the basic science to the clinic," said Dean Brenner, the lead researcher for the project and a professor of internal medicine and pharmacology at the U-M Medical School and the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, in a news release. "You have to have very good science, but it also has to translate: How are we going to use this information to help patients? The depth of expertise at the University of Michigan allows us to pursue this work."